House fire near Niwot causes extensive damage

Several fire agencies responded to a house fire Sunday afternoon off of Colorado Highway 52, about one mile east of IBM.
(CLIFF GRASSMICK)

Mountain View firefighters spent most of the afternoon battling a house fire hear Colo. 52 in Niwot that caused extensive damage.

Deputy Chief Steve Pischke said the owner of the home, at 6170 79th Ave., left to run errands around noon. At about 1 p.m., a motorist on Colo. 52 saw smoke, went to investigate and called police.

Pischke said firefighters arrived to heavy flames and smoke at the southwest side of the house. Firefighters quickly used the water from two engine tankers and had to shuttle water in from Niwot to continue to fight the fire.

The lack of water coupled with multiple walls and false ceilings in the older house made for “a cold, tough fight,” Pischke said.

By about 5 p.m., the fire was out, he said. A deputy will stay on scene overnight to watch for flare ups, while an investigation into the cause of the fire will start Monday morning, he said.

He said he's not sure if the house can be salvaged, given the extensive damage to the south side.

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